| Buying a treadmill? Chances are you'll want to | | | | because the treadmill brands are made by more than 1 |
| comparison shop to find the best deal for you. Looking | | | | giant treadmill manufacturing company. |
| at all of the options available can often save you | | | | Sales people are typically more knowledgeable at |
| hundreds of dollars. | | | | these stores and can tell you more about the treadmill |
| But where can you look? | | | | models, what you need, etc. However be careful as |
| There are in general 3 places you can buy your tread | | | | these salespeople are often on commission and may |
| mill. This article will outline what you should know about | | | | try to pressure you into buying a higher priced machine |
| each. You'll learn the advantages and disadvantages - | | | | than you actually need. |
| to help you find the best treadmill buy. | | | | You'll also typically have to pay for shipping and |
| #1 Department Stores | | | | delivery of your treadmill when you buy at one of |
| Department stores like Walmart, Sears, and Target sell | | | | these stores (which could cost you $150-200 |
| a variety of name brand treadmills in their sports and | | | | depending on the size of your treadmill). However if |
| fitness departments. | | | | you hit these stores on a sale, you may be able to get |
| What you should know: Although these stores may | | | | a discount or free shipping. |
| appear to offer several different brand names they | | | | #3 Online - Direct From the Manufacturer |
| are almost always produced by one manufacturer - | | | | Buying a treadmill online is an option that is growing in |
| Icon Health and Fitness. | | | | popularity with buyers. There are both online fitness |
| Icon is one of the largest treadmill manufacturers on | | | | stores and online treadmill manufacturers. |
| the market today and produces such brands as | | | | What you should know: Online manufacturers sell |
| Proform, Weslo, Epic, Image, Nordic Track, Free Spirit | | | | direct to the consumer, in effect skipping the |
| and Reebok. | | | | middleman of the store. Consequently customers can |
| These treadmills have lots of neat gadgets like CD | | | | save up to $800 on a brand name treadmill. |
| players, TV's, iFit compatibility and more. However, | | | | Buying online is also easy and convenient since you |
| they are not necessarily known for high quality | | | | can research treadmill brands and prices from the |
| cushioning, stability or durability. | | | | comfort of your living room. You have a much larger |
| They also typically offer short warranties. For many of | | | | selection of treadmill brands than either option above |
| the cheaper treadmills, 90 days on parts and labor is all | | | | and can thus make a better buying decision. |
| you get. If you want a longer warranty you'll have to | | | | Another bonus is that online distributors typically offer |
| pay extra for it. | | | | free shipping which can also save you a couple |
| Salespeople at these department stores are often not | | | | hundred dollars. There are no pushy salespeople to |
| very knowledgeable about treadmills, fitness or how to | | | | deal with so you can take your time to decide without |
| choose the right treadmill based on your personal | | | | any pressure. |
| needs. So if you need to buy from a department store | | | | The downside of buying a treadmill online is that you |
| make sure you do your homework before you go. | | | | don't get to walk on the treadmill first. Many people get |
| Also, at a department store, you'll usually have to pay | | | | around this by trying them out at stores first and then |
| extra for shipping and delivery of your treadmill (around | | | | buying the treadmill online (if possible). |
| $150 - $200) so that's also an extra cost to consider. | | | | Or you could do the research and invest in a high end |
| #2 Specialty Sports and Fitness Stores | | | | treadmill brand with high ratings from experts and |
| These are stores like Fitness Depot, Dick's Sporting | | | | users. (Several treadmill websites will list any expert |
| Goods, Sport Chalet etc. | | | | awards or user reviews for you to read.) |
| What you should know: These stores typically offer | | | | So those are 3 main places to buy your treadmill. |
| you higher end treadmill brands like Precor, Landice, | | | | Regardless of where you buy your tread mill, |
| Trimline, Star Trac, Keys and more. | | | | remember to take your time, have fun and consider |
| You technically get a larger selection at these stores | | | | your own personal workout needs before buying. |